U.S. patent number 5,944,242 [Application Number 08/649,057] was granted by the patent office on 1999-08-31 for tool holder.
Invention is credited to Steven Hnatowicz, Michael Musarella.
United States Patent |
5,944,242 |
Musarella , et al. |
August 31, 1999 |
Tool holder
Abstract
A tool holder for mounting on a user'belt comprising a support
member having two front supports and two rear supports, each rear
support having a rear top portion, a rear bottom portion, and a
rear transition portion positioned therebetween. Each front support
is spaced from and biased substantially parallel to the rear top
portion and being nonparallel to the rear bottom portion. Each rear
transition portion extends toward the front support to provide a
narrow gap which is smaller than the spacing between the front
support and rear top portion, with the rear supports being
connected by a support cross member, and the rear bottom portions
extending away from the front supports. Also, the rear bottom
portions are of substantially the same length as the rear top
portions. A bracket member is operatively associated with the front
supports for holding a tool. Thus, when the tool holder is mounted
on a user'belt, the front supports and rear transitions portions
resistance to removal of the support member from the belt.
Inventors: |
Musarella; Michael (Staten
Island, NY), Hnatowicz; Steven (Staten Island, NY) |
Family
ID: |
24603288 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/649,057 |
Filed: |
May 16, 1996 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
224/667; 224/270;
D3/228; 224/904 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H
3/006 (20130101); A45F 5/02 (20130101); A45F
5/021 (20130101); A45F 2200/0575 (20130101); Y10S
224/904 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A45F
5/00 (20060101); A45F 5/02 (20060101); B25H
3/00 (20060101); A45F 005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;224/904,269,666,667,248,270,669,678 ;D3/228,219,215 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Luebke; Renee S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Pennie & Edmonds LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A tool holder for mounting on a user's belt comprising:
a support member having two front supports and two rear supports,
each rear support having a rear top portion, a rear bottom portion,
and a rear transition portion positioned therebetween, with each
front support being spaced from and biased substantially parallel
to the rear top portion and being nonparallel to the rear bottom
portion, each rear transition portion extending toward the front
support to provide a narrow gap which is smaller than the spacing
between the front support and rear top portion, with the rear
supports being connected by a support cross member, and the rear
bottom portions extending away from the front supports; and
a bracket member operatively associated with the front supports for
holding a tool;
wherein, when the tool holder is mounted on a user'belt, the front
supports and rear transition portions provide resistance to removal
of the support member from the belt and the rear bottom portions
are of substantially the same length as the rear top portions.
2. The tool holder of claim 1, wherein the bracket member includes
a pair of side members, with each side member forming a lower end
of a front support.
3. The tool holder of claim 2, which further comprises a center
member connecting the side members of the bracket member, wherein
the center member has an arcuate shape which projects above the
side members.
4. The tool holder of claim 2, wherein each transition portion is
positioned substantially adjacent to the lower end of the
respective front support.
5. The tool holder of claim 2, wherein the bracket member includes
opposing gate members pivotably mounted on the side members.
6. The tool holder of claim 1, which further comprises a bracket
cross member connected between the front supports, the bracket
member including a plurality of opposing gate members pivotably
mounted thereon.
7. The tool holder of claim 6, wherein each gate member is
pivotably mounted about a pivot pin and biased in opposing position
by a spring.
8. The tool holder of claim 7, wherein each gate member is mounted
on a side member which forms a lower end of a front support.
9. The tool holder of claim 8, wherein each gate member is mounted
substantially perpendicular to the rear supports.
10. The tool holder of claim 1, which further comprises a bracket
cross member connected between the front supports with the bracket
member being joined to the bracket cross member by a pivotable
connection.
11. The tool holder of claim 10, wherein the pivotable connection
comprises a cover plate connected to the bracket cross member by a
pivot pin.
12. The tool holder of claim 10, wherein the bracket member
comprises a wire bent to form a substantially rectangular
shape.
13. The tool holder of claim 12, wherein the bent wire is mounted
substantially perpendicular to the rear supports.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improved tool holder having a
bracket extension to prevent inadvertent removal during use. More
particularly, the present invention relates to improved tool holder
readily attachable to a belt, pocket or pant/short waist band.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous innovations for tool holding devices have been provided in
the prior art that are described as follows. Even though these
innovations may be suitable for the specific individual purposes to
which they address, they differ from the present invention as
hereinafter contrasted.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,499, titled TOOL CARRIER, by inventor,
Gulley, a tool carrier having a frame formed from a closed wire
loop which includes a tool insertion portion having spaced side
rail members connected by an arcuate end bar. In U.S. Pat. No.
5,176,302, titled, BELT MOUNTED CAN HOLDER, by inventor Smith, a
holder for a handle of a container comprises a substantially rigid,
continuous wire-like member bent to form a belt receiving portion
and an integral
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a tool holder for mounting on a user'belt
comprising a support member having two front supports and two rear
supports, each rear support having a rear top portion, a rear
bottom portion, and a rear transition portion positioned
therebetween. Each front support is spaced from and biased
substantially parallel to the rear top portion and being
nonparallel to the rear bottom portion. Each rear transition
portion extends toward the front support to provide a narrow gap
which is smaller than the spacing between the front support and
rear top portion, with the rear supports being connected by a
support cross member, and the rear bottom portions extending away
from the front supports. Also, the rear bottom portions are of
substantially the same length as the rear top portions. A bracket
member is operatively associated with the front supports for
holding a tool. Thus, when the tool holder is mounted on a
user'belt, the front supports and rear transitions portions
resistance to removal of the support member from the belt.
In this tool holder, the bracket member can include a pair of side
members, with each side member forming a lower end of a front
support, and a center member connecting the side members of the
bracket member, with the center member having an arcuate shape
which projects above the side members. Each transition portion is
positioned substantially adjacent to the lower end of the
respective front support.
In another embodiment, the bracket member includes a plurality of
opposing gate members pivotably mounted thereon. When a bracket
cross member is connected between the front supports, the bracket
member can include the gate members pivotably mounted thereon.
Advantageously, each gate member is pivotably mounted about a pivot
pin and biased in opposing position by a spring. Each gate member
can be mounted on a side member which forms a lower end of a front
support, and each side member can be joined to form a U-shaped
portion that is pivotably connected to the bracket cross member.
Each gate member can be mounted substantially perpendicular to the
rear supports.
In another embodiment, the bracket member can be pivotably
connected to the bracket cross member. One particularly desirable
arrangement for the bracket member is as a wire bent to form a
substantially rectangular shape, with the pivotable connection
comprising a cover plate connected to the bracket cross member by a
pivot pin. Also, the bent wire can be mounted substantially
perpendicular to the rear supports.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1-3 are perspective, front and side views of a first tool
holder of the invention;
FIGS. 4-6 are perspective, front and side views of a second tool
holder of the invention;
FIGS. 7-9 are perspective, front and side views of a third tool
holder of the invention; and
FIGS. 10-12 are perspective, front and side views of a fourth tool
holder of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Firstly, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3 which are a left perspective
view, front view, left side view, rear view, top view, and bottom
view, respectively, of a first tool holder (110). The first tool
holder (110) comprises a support which comprises: a right rear
support (12RR) having a right front support (12RF) securely
connected to a right rear top support (12RRA) by a right middle
support (12RF). The right rear top support (12RRA) is securely
fastened to a right rear bottom support (12RRB) by a right rear
transition support (12RRC). The right rear transiton support
(12RRC) is at an inward obtuse angle to the right rear top support
(12RRA) and the right rear bottom support (12RRB). The right front
support (12RF) is parallel to the right rear top support (12RRA)
and the right rear bottom support (12RRB).
A left rear support (12LR) which comprises a left front support
(12LF) securely connected to a left rear top support (12LRA) by a
left middle support (12LF). The left rear top support (12LRA) is
securely fastened to a left rear bottom support (12LRB) by a left
rear transition support (12LRC). The left rear transition support
(12LRC) is at an inward obtuse angle to the left rear top support
(12LRA) and the left rear bottom support (12LRB). The right rear
transition support (12RRC) and the left rear transition support
(12LRC) function to prevent inadvertent removal of the tool holder
when a user withdraws a tool. The left front support (12LF) is
parallel to the left rear top support (12LRA) and the left rear
bottom support (12LRB).
A support cross member (12A) is securely fastened at a lower distal
end of the right rear bottom support (12RRB) and at a lower distal
end of the left rear bottom support (12LRB). The left rear bottom
support (12LRB) and the right rear bottom support (12RRB) function
as a lever to prevent inadvertent removal of the tool holder from
the user when a tool is withdrawn. The support cross member (12A)
functions to connect the right rear support (12RR) to the left rear
support (12LR). The first tool holder (110) is securely attached at
a lower distal end of the right front support (12RF) and the left
front support (12LF). The first tool holder (110) comprises a first
tool holder bracket (114) consisting of first tool holder bracket
right member (114R) securely connected to a first tool holder
bracket left member (114L) by a first tool holder bracket middle
member (114M).
The first tool holder (110) is manufactured from a material
selected from a group consisting of metal, metal alloy, plastic,
plastic composite, rubber, rubber composite, fiberglass, epoxy, and
carbon-graphite.
Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6 which are a left perspective view, front
view, left side view, rear view, top view, and bottom view,
respectively, of a second tool holder (210). The second tool holder
(210) comprises a support (12) which comprises: a right rear
support (12RR) having a right front support (12RF) securely
connected to a right rear top support (12RRA) by a right middle
support (12RF). The right rear top support (12RRA) is securely
fastened to a right rear bottom support (12RRB) by a right rear
transition support (12RRC). The right rear transition support
(12RRC) is at an inward obtuse angle to the right rear top support
(12RRA) and the right rear bottom support (12RRB). The right front
support (12RF) is parallel to the right rear top support (12RRA)
and the right rear bottom support (12RRB).
A left rear support (12LR) which comprises a left front support
(12LF) securely connected to a left rear top support (12LRA) by a
left middle support (12LF). The left rear top support (12LRA) is
securely fastened to a left rear bottom support (12LRB) by a left
rear transition support (12LRC). The left rear transition support
(12LRC) is at an inward obtuse angle to the left rear top support
(12LRA) and the left rear bottom support (12LRB). The right rear
transition support (12RRC) and the left rear transition support
(12LRC) function to prevent inadvertent removal of the tool holder
when a user withdraws a tool. The left front support (12LF) is
parallel to the left rear top support (12LRA) and the left rear
bottom support (12LRB).
A support cross member (12A) is securely fastened at a lower distal
end of the right rear bottom support (12RRB) and at a lower distal
end of the left rear bottom support (12LRB). The left rear bottom
support (12LRB) and the right rear bottom support (12RRB) function
as a lever to prevent inadvertent removal of the tool holder from
the user when a tool is withdrawn. The support cross member (12A)
functions to connect the right rear support (12RR) to the left rear
support (12LR). The second tool holder (210) is securely attached
at a lower distal end of the right front support (12RF) and the
left front support (12LF).
The second tool holder bracket (214) comprises a second tool holder
bracket cross member (214A) securely fastened to the right front
support (12RF) and the left front support (12LF). The second tool
holder bracket (214) further comprises a second tool holder bracket
right member (214R) having a second tool holder bracket right front
member (214RA) which is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin (18) to a
U-channel bracket (16) having a U-channel bracket pin opening (16A)
therein through which the pivot spring (18) is inserted. A spring
(20) is mounted around the pivot pin (18). The spring functions to
return the U-channel bracket (16) to a perpendicular position to
the second tool holder bracket right member (214R). The second tool
holder bracket (214) further comprises a second tool holder bracket
left member (214L) having a second tool holder bracket left front
member (214LA) which is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin (18) to a
U-channel bracket (16) having a U-channel bracket pin opening (16A)
therein through which the pivot pin (18) is inserted. A spring (20)
is mounted around the pivot pin (18). The spring functions to
return the U-channel bracket (16) to a perpendicular position to
the second tool holder bracket left member (214L).
The second tool holder (210) is manufactured from a material
selected from a group consisting of metal, metal alloy, plastic,
plastic composite, rubber, rubber composite, fiberglass, epoxy, and
carbon-graphite.
Now, referring to FIGS. 7 to 9 which are a left perspective view,
front view, left side view, rear view, top view, and bottom view,
respectively, of a third tool holder (310). The third tool holder
(310) comprises a support (12) which comprises: a right rear
support (12RR) having a right front support (12RF) securely
connected to a right rear top support (12RRA) by a right middle
support (12RF). The right rear top support (12RRA) is securely
fastened to a right rear bottom support (12RRB) by a right rear
transition support (12RRC). The right rear transition support
(12RRC) is at an inward obtuse angle to the right rear top support
(12RRA) and the right rear bottom support (12RRB). The right front
support (12RF) is parallel to the the right rear top support
(12RRA) and the right rear bottom support (12RRB).
A left rear support (12LR) which comprises a left front support
(12LF) securely connected to a left rear top support (12LRA) by a
left middle support (12LF). The left rear top support (12LRA) is
securely fastened to a left rear bottom support (12LRB) by a left
rear transition support (12LRC). The left rear transition support
(12LRC) is at an inward obtuse angle to the left rear top support
(12LRA) and the left rear bottom support (12LRB). The right rear
transition support (12RRC) and the left rear transition support
(12LRC) function to prevent inadvertant removal of the tool holder
when a user withdraws a tool. The left front support (12LF) is
parallel to the the left rear top support (12LRA) and the left rear
bottom support (12LRB).
A support cross member (12A) is securely fastened at a lower distal
end of the right rear bottom support (12RRB) and at a lower distal
end of the left rear bottom support (12LRB). The left rear bottom
support (12LRB) and the right rear bottom support (12RRB) function
as a lever to prevent inadvertant removal of the tool holder from
the user when a tool is withdrawn. The support cross member (12A)
functions to connect the right rear support (12RR) to the left rear
support (12LR). The third tool holder (310) is securely attached at
a lower distal end of the right front support (12RF) and the left
front support (12LF).
The third tool holder (310) comprises a third tool holder bracket
cross member (314A) securely fastened to the the right front
support (12RF) and the left front support (12LF). The third tool
holder bracket cross member (314A) consists of a third tool holder
bracket cross member rear plate (314AA) securely fastened to a
third tool holder bracket cross member front plate rear (314ABA) of
a third tool holder bracket cross member front plate (314AB). The
third tool holder bracket cross member front plate (314AB)
comprises a third tool holder bracket cross member front plate
front (314ABB) securely connected to the third tool holder bracket
cross member front plate rear (314ABA) by a third tool holder
bracket cross member front plate transition (314ABC) forming a
space bewteen the third tool holder bracket cross member front
plate front (314ABB) and the third tool holder bracket cross member
front plate rear (314ABA). The third tool holder bracket cross
member front plate front (314ABB) has a pivot pin (18) securely
mounted therein. A third tool holder bracket (314) is pivotally
mounted on the pivot pin (18). The third tool holder bracket (314)
comprises a third tool holder bracket right top member (314RA)
connected to a third tool holder bracket left top member (314LA).
The third tool holder bracket right top member (314RA) is securely
connected to a third tool holder bracket right middle member
(314RM) having a third tool holder bracket right inner transition
member (314RCA) therebetween which is securely connected to a third
tool holder bracket right bottom member (314RB) having a third tool
holder bracket right outer transition member (314RCB) therebetween.
The third tool holder bracket right bottom member (314RB) is
securely connected to a third tool holder bracket right bottom
front member (314RBA) which is pivotally mounted by a pivot pin
(18) to a U-channel bracket (16) having a U-channel bracket pin
opening (16A) therein through which the pivot pin (18) is inserted.
A spring (20) is mounted around the pivot pin (18). The spring
functions to return the U-channel bracket (16) to a perpendicular
position to the hird tool holder bracket light bottom member
(314RB). The third tool holder bracket left top member (314LA) is
securely connected to a third tool holder bracket left middle
member (314LM) having a third tool holder bracket left inner
transition member (314LCA) therebetween which is securely connected
to a third tool holder bracket left bottom member (314LB) having a
third tool holder bracket left outer transition member (314LCB)
therebetween. The third tool holder bracket left bottom member
(314LB) is securely connected to a third tool holder bracket left
bottom front member (314LBA) which is pivotally mounted by a pivot
pin (18) to a U-channel bracket (16) having a U-channel bracket pin
opening (16A) therein through which the pivot pin (18) is inserted.
A spring (20) is mounted around the pivot pin (18). The spring
functions to return the U-channel bracket (16) to a perpendicular
position to the third tool holder bracket left bottom member
(314LB).
The third tool holder (310) is manufactured from a material
selected from a group consisting of metal, metal alloy, plastic,
plastic composite, rubber, rubber composite, fiberglass, epoxy, and
carbon-graphite.
Lastly, referring to FIGS. 10 to 12 which are a left perspective
view, front view, left side view, rear view, top view, and bottom
view, respectively, of a fourth tool holder (410).The fourth tool
holder (410) comprises a support (12) which comprises: a right rear
support (12RR) having a right front support (12RF) securely
connected to a right rear top support (12RRA) by a right middle
support (12RF). The right rear top support (12RRA) is securely
fastened to a right rear bottom support (12RRB) by a right rear
transition support (12RRC). The right rear trnsition support
(12RRC) is at an inward obtuse angle to the right rear top support
(12RRA) and the right rear bottom support (12RRB). The right front
support (12RF) is parallel to the the right rear top support
(12RRA) and the right rear bottom support (12RRB).
A left rear support (12LR) which comprises a left front support
(12LF) securely connected to a left rear top support (12LRA) by a
left middle support (12LF). The left rear top support (12LRA) is
securely fastened to a left rear bottom support (12LRB) by a left
rear transition support (12LRC). The left rear transition support
(12LRC) is at an inward obtuse angle to the left rear top support
(12LRA) and the left rear bottom support (12LRB). The right rear
transition support (12RRC) and the left rear transition support
(12LRC) function to prevent inadvertant removal of the tool holder
when a user withdraws a tool. The left front support (12LF) is
parallel to the the left rear top support (12LRA) and the left rear
bottom support (12LRB).
A support cross member (12A) is securely fastened at a lower distal
end of the right rear bottom support (12RRB) and at a lower distal
end of the left rear bottom support (12LRB). The left rear bottom
support (12LRB) and the right rear bottom support (12RRB) funtion
as a lever to prevent inadvertant removal of the tool holder from
the user when a tool is withdrawn. The support cross member (12A)
functions to connect the right rear support (12RR) to the left rear
support (12LR). The fourth tool holder (410) is securely attached
at a lower distal end of the right front support (12RF) and the
left front support (12LF).
The fourth tool holder (410) comprises a fourth tool holder bracket
(414) having a fourth tool holder bracket middle member (414M)
which is pivotally mounted on the pivot pin (18) of the third tool
holder bracket cross member (314A). The fourth tool holder bracket
middle member (414M) is securely connnected to a fourth tool holder
bracket right middle member (414RM) having a fourth tool holder
bracket right rear inner transition member (414RRCB) therebetween.
The fourth tool holder bracket right middle member (414RM) is
securely connected to a fourth tool holder bracket right bottom
member (414RB) having a fourth tool holder bracket right rear outer
transition member (414RRCA) therebetween. The fourth tool holder
bracket right bottom member (414RB) is securely connected to a
fourth tool holder bracket cross member (414C) having a fourth tool
holder bracket rightfront transition member (414RFC) therebetween.
The fourth tool holder bracket cross member (414C) is securely
connected to a fourth tool holder bracket left bottom member
(414LB) having a fourth tool holder bracket left front transition
member (414LFC) therebetween. The fourth tool holder bracket left
bottom member (414LB) is securely connected to a fourth tool holder
bracket left middle member (414LM) having a fourth tool holder
bracket left rear outer transition member (414LRCA)
therebetween.
The forth tool holder (410) is manufactured from a material
selected from a group consisting of metal, metal alloy, plastic,
plastic composite, rubber, rubber composite, fiberglass, epoxy, and
carbon-graphite.
It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or
two or more together, may also find a useful application in other
types of constructions differing from the type described above.
While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied
in a tool holder, it is not intended to be limited to the details
shown, since it will be understood that various omissions,
modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details
of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those
skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of
the present invention.
Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the
gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current
knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without
omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly
constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific
aspects of this invention.
What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters
Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
* * * * *